“Today, the Federal Appeals Court declared what we have always known to be true: that the so-called Defense of Marriage Act is an unconstitutional assault on our civil liberties. I’m pleased we’re one step closer to overturning harmful federal legislation that denies same-sex couples the right to wed, depriving them of the security and benefits of marriage.

With each passing day, and with the support of President Obama, we come that much closer to making marriage equality a reality for everyone across the nation.

…

READ MORE

Legislative package will strengthen City’s ability to prevent and uncover fraud by extending whistleblower protections to employees of City contractors and subcontractors.

Council will also vote on resolutions to reauthorize an adequately funded Farm Bill and another calling on the State to reform the Rent Guidelines Board.

New York, NY- Today, the City Council will vote to extend the protection afforded by the City’s Whistleblower Law to employees of City contractors and subcontractors, and to encourage those with information about fraud against the City to report it.

…

READ MORE

LGBT activists honored June 12th at Cooper Union

City Hall, NY-Speaker Christine C. Quinn and LGBT Caucus Members Daniel Dromm, Rosie Mendez, and Jimmy Van Bramer announced that star of stage and screen, Whoopi Goldberg, will be the Master of Ceremonies for the Council’s Celebration of Pride next month.

Goldberg is an Emmy, Tony, Grammy, and Academy Award winner and the co-host of ABC’s ‘The View.’ On June 12th at Cooper Union’s Great Hall, Goldberg and the Council will honor LGBT activists for their work to bring justice and equality to gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender people of New York City.

…

READ MORE

“After the jury in the Tyler Clementi bullying case showed such courage, the system of justice has failed. Dharun Ravi’s bullying contributed to Tyler’s death. Yet, Mr. Ravi has shown no remorse and accepted no responsibility in the case. Still, the court sentenced him to only 30 days in jail. This is an outrageous slap in the face to all who believe in equal justice for all.

…

READ MORE

Read the letter from Commissioner Kelly to Speaker Quinn

“This morning, I received a reply from Commissioner Kelly detailing actions the NYPD is taking in response to my letter and calls from others seeking reforms to stop and frisk procedures. The Commissioner has announced changes to officer training, monitoring, supervision, transparency, and accountability.

“With these actions today, Commissioner Kelly and the NYPD are taking an important step forward however, more must be done to significantly reduce the number of stops and to bridge the divide between the NYPD and the communities they serve.

…

READ MORE

“Today, Governor Cuomo has taken an enormous step forward to end the stigmatization of poverty.

Governor Cuomo’s announcement that food stamp applicants in New York City will no longer be subjected to finger imaging sends the clear message to the tens of thousands of qualified New Yorkers who have been deterred from applying for assistance that receiving food stamps does not make you a criminal.

…

READ MORE

“Today’s decision to grant class-action status to the plaintiffs in the stop, question and frisk lawsuit is an important step towards systemic reform of this practice.

I am extremely gratified by Judge Shira Scheindlin’s decision. Furthermore, I am pleased the judge cited the amicus brief filed by the Council’s Black Latino and Asian Caucus in rejecting the NYPD’s argument that systemic reform is not possible.

…

READ MORE

“I want to thank NAACP President Benjamin Todd Jealous, Hazel Dukes, Reverend Al Sharpton and 1199 SEIU President George Gresham, Make the Road, the NYCLU, and others who have effectively raised concerns about the practice of stop and frisk and launched this important public discussion.

“I believe the present practice of stop and frisk is not working and is in need of significant reform.

…

READ MORE

The Responsible Banking Act will bring together banks, communities and government to evaluate the banking needs of New Yorkers and their communities.

Council will also vote to override Mayoral veto of prevailing wage legislation and a resolution in support of raising the state’s minimum wage.

New York, NY- Today, the Council will vote on the Responsible Banking Act.

…

READ MORE

Immigration Program to be Activated Citywide May 15th

City Hall – Council Speaker Christine C. Quinn, together with Committee on Immigration Chair Council Member Daniel Dromm, Council Members Melissa Mark-Viverito, Ydanis Rodriguez and Helen Diane Foster, along with Make the Road New York, Chung Wha- Hong of the New York Immigration Coalition, Jose Calderon, President of the Hispanic Federation, and a number of immigrant advocates, gathered today to demand the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) halt the activation of Secure Communities in New York City until the program is significantly reformed.

…

READ MORE